Observations by a first time doodle owner

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I have always loved dogs, but until recently, the situation did not allow me to have my own dog. I did not know what to expect and had no idea how much better life can be with a dog...let alone a DOODLE. Monty turned 2 in March and it got me contemplating about our two years together. Here is a handful of things every new doodle owner should expect to happen:

 

1. You will never shower alone...and I mean EVER again. So get used to stepping out of your shower finding an "extra bath rug" laying on the bathroom floor. And get used to freezing your butt off, literally, since the bathroom door will be wide open. You can try and close the door before you take your nice relaxing shower, but I'm afraid you won't be able to relax due to the howling and whining that would be coming from behind the closed door. So yes, you will step out of the shower all soaped up, just to crack the door open to allow the howling intruder in. And eventually, you will learn to keep the door ajar before you step into the shower. By the way, this also affects any other business you might want to try to conduct in your bathroom. You are never alone.

 

2. You become invisible and nameless. When you are out and around with your doodle, somehow you completely disappear from other people's views. All they see is your doodle. Not only that, some even know his/her name. I would walk into Monty's daycare with him and the front desk ladies would squeel: "Hi Monty! Are you coming to play?" That's all. Do they know my name? I doubt it. The other day I was dropping off Monty at his groomer. She opened a second location and I've never seen these new assistants before. Yet, we walked in and one of the assistants already bathing a different dog looked up and yelled: "Monty is here!"  Well, I was there too, but I don't think anyone actually noticed. So get ready: people will notice your dog. You are just an accessory.

 

3. Many adult human beings fall righ down to the level of their kidswhen they meet your doodle. I especially love this one. On our morning walks, we periodically cross paths with two new moms pushing their infant kids in strollers. Even though I already know I'm invisible, I still try to be polite and greet them good morning. All I get as a reply is a  "doggy doggy" in a childish squeeky voice from BOTH of them. Consistently. Every. Time. We. Meet.  It actually makes my day.

 

4.  Even if adults are speaking in a normal voice and you might think they are actually talking to you, snap out of it. They are NOT talking to you. I have to state here that I'm happily married. But still, every female walking her doodle and passing a male who suddenly says "You are gorgeous!" would want to think the remark belonged to her. Married or not. Oh well, get over yourself. He is talking to your doodle. You should know by now.

 

So there you have it. These are my two cents for the new doodle owners. What other insights would you have?

 

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Jarka I love your post and what everyone says is absolutely true. We are expecting a call to go out of town on very short notice and guess who's the only one that's washed and fluffed and has his bag packed.

 It is all about the doodle and I have the shirt to prove it. When we first got Quincy there was a small chance that my son would be allergic to him, if that turned out to be the case, I told him I would help him find a nice apartment. :>)

[Bonnie and Kona]

What a great blog!!! You have captured this beautifully and well, Monty is GORGEOUS! You well deserve your place in line just behind him. You are a wonderful, wonderful doodle mom!

[Kimmy & Chewie]

OMD. Great blog Jarka!
All the lists by Jarka, Jane and Lori are ALL so true. 12 for 12 for me!
Oh.. Maybe not all. Re: Jarka's #2, I'm not nameless, my name is "Chewie's mom" LOL

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Even single post is me also! 

I bought a pink cuisinart standing mixer so I can bake cookies for the girls. Okay, so occasionally I bake for the DH.

I plan on driving the 2500 miles to AZ from NJ to see my Mom since I won't leave the girls for a week!

[F, Calla & Luca]

So true Jarka. I think at a certain age you become invisible to most people. So my doodles actually "introduce me to many people.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Jarka, thanks for the laugh! This is my reality, that's for sure! Doodle-owning seems to take dog-ownership to a new level -- and I don't want to come down! Hugs to both of you!!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I love the doodar idea. I've definitely got it too!

Sharon, as far as food is concerned I would add: The dog food is healthier than your own food. So in case of an emergency, the whole family can feast on kibble, even the ones who are allergic to gluten (like me).

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

This blog is hilarious!  It is funny because it is so true! I love #4! 

[Jennifer and Jack]

I love my Dr Monty! Xo

[Sharon & Monty]

You will purchase human food and cook things for your dood. You make most of your friends and co-workers roll their eyes when you can't control sharing stories and pics of your dog.  You get crazy if DH dares to take the dog in the car without his harness and seat belt!  You train the dog to leave the house when the smoke alarm goes off.